There are many options for camera bags in the market today. Brands offer many styles and options in countless colors and features for every type of photographer. WANDRD is no different, but it offers some unique styles compared to its competitors. The PRVKE 31L is one of those bags. But how does it compare to other bags available in the market?
Who is Vanguard?
WANDRD It was born at the kitchen table after discussing the lack of quality camera bag options. After doing research, they found two things: a bag that worked fine but looked bad, or a bag that looked fine and didn’t function properly. A statement was made: “Why don’t we build our own?” With one statement, a brand was created: WANDRD. In October 2015, they launched their first bag on Kickstarter, the PRVKE Pack.
initial impact
while unboxing PRVKE 31LI was initially impressed by its materials and attractive design. When handling it, you could tell this was a quality bag. The straps on the backpack have good padding, and the zippers have zipper pulls – this is a big plus in my book. You have to purchase the Pro Photography Bundle with Bag to get the Pro Camera Cube to store your gear. The bag has ample storage space for items like a laptop and accessories, as well as straps for your tripod.
Build quality and durability
The bag is made of multiple materials and has another cool feature. First of all, it is made of waterproof tarpaulin and Robic 1680D ballistic nylon. The waterproof tarpaulin will withstand the elements every photographer will encounter, and I won’t have to worry about leaving my bag out in the rain. The good thing about this material is that it eliminates the need for an external rain cover in inclement weather. There’s nothing more annoying than putting on and taking off a rain cover to get to your gear. The bag is not 100% waterproof, so you can’t submerge it in water. Another feature I like is the weather resistant zipper. I have seen bags that let these go if they are made of waterproof material. In terms of durability, this bag can handle a brutal beating. The stitching is strong, and the high-quality zippers ensure there are no worries about the durability of the bag.
Design and aesthetics
When I look at camera bags, style and aesthetics are almost always last on my list. The design of this bag is modern and attractive. Anyone who is not a photographer might think it is just a backpack. This is great, considering that photographers must be very aware of their gear at all times, and having a bag that doesn’t scream “camera bag” is a big plus! Not long ago, you only had one color option for a camera bag – black, and maybe blue if you were lucky. The bag now comes in seven colors: Wasatch Green, Black, Aegean Blue, Yuma Tan, Sedona Orange, Multi-Cam Black, and Makalu. If you can’t find your favorite color I don’t know what to tell you! The bag is also offered in three sizes: 21L, 31L, and 41L (black only). It also features a clamshell opening and quick side access, making gear retrieval easy.
storage and organization
The most essential part of any camera bag is storage space. If you’re buying this bag to store your gear, you’ll also need to purchase the Pro Photography Cube or Essential Camera Cube. These cubes can also be used as stand-alone items to store gear when not in the camera bag. They offer plenty of space and dividers to customize to suit your needs and preferences. The Pro Photography Cube can handle up to two cameras and four to six lenses, while the Essential Camera Cube can handle a single camera body and two to four lenses. Between these two cubes, one should suit your needs. The bag also offers side access, allowing you to quickly access your camera and lenses. The front organization pouch is excellent for storing travel and writing instruments, and it also has a hidden passport pouch for important documents.
There is a handle on the top of the bag, allowing you to carry the bag on your side as an alternative to the backpack style. These handles are also magnetic, which prevents them from falling around. The expandable roll-top feature allows an additional 5 liters of space for additional items. If you’re traveling through an airport, the bag enables you to pass your roller bag handle through the back of the bag, making it easier to navigate. The back panel of the bag also has a hidden passport pouch, which keeps it securely on your back to protect your valuables.
The interior of the bag also features three elastic mesh pockets built into the side access doors, allowing you to store memory cards for quick access. Depending on the size of your bag, you can even store up to 14″ Macbook Pro And a 16” in laptop sleeve. The bag has several pouches for camera accessories. The only flaw I find with storage is the cube’s single zipper. When you try to open the cube inside the bag, the pull of the zipper reaches an inaccessible location, making it difficult to access your gear. Dual zippers will allow easy and quick access.
Comfort and portability
When it comes to comfort, this bag delivers. The shoulder straps are well padded, and it also has a sternum strap. However, if you’re carrying enough gear it will become inconvenient to carry any bag after a while! I find one small fault in portability – it’s quite a big one. That said, all sizes (21L, 31L, and 41L) are carry-on compatible, which is great because no one wants to check a bag full of gear on a flight.
value for money
In terms of value for money, the bag is priced well compared to competitors. The PRVKE 21L is priced at $219.00, while the 31L is priced at $239.00. However, the price goes down because you have to purchase the storage cube separately: $64.00 for the Essentials Camera Cube or $104.00 for the Pro Camera Cube. WANDRD offers two bundles: the Photography Bundle ($85.00) includes the Essential Camera Cube, waist strap, and accessory strap, while the Pro Photography Bundle includes the Pro Camera Cube, waist strap, and accessory strap. I would prefer a bag that comes ready to use without the need to purchase additional accessories. Although this bag is marketed to people other than photographers, WANDRD is primarily a camera bag company.
Pros
- quality: Made of waterproof tarpaulin and Robic 1680D ballistic nylon. Excellent stitching ensures durability.
- storage: Available in multiple sizes and colors, carry-on compatible, and includes an extendable roll-top for extra space.
Shortcoming
- value for money: You will need to purchase bundles to complete the bag.
- storage: The single zipper on the Cube makes it difficult to access gear.
final thoughts
final thoughts on PRVKE 31L: Overall, this is a well-built bag, and if you buy it, it will last for years. WANDRD does an excellent job of creating high quality products with thoughtful design. Their camera cubes are also of high quality and stand the test of time and heavy use. This bag is great for almost any photographer, but I recommend it primarily for landscape photographers because of its durability and waterproof materials. Street, wedding, and portrait photographers may find it more challenging to quickly access gear. If you buy this bag, you can’t go wrong!
